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The Houston Rockets have dominated the Western Conference and the entire NBA this season. James Harden will enter the Conference Finals for the second time as a member of the Houston Rockets and is looking to get past this round for only the second time in his career. His running mate Chris Paul has never made it this far in his entire career and is salivating at the chance to win a title.
The Golden State Warriors have dominated the conference for the previous three seasons and are looking to keep their stronghold on the title. Kevin Durant, Steph Curry and company are eager to become the first team to repeat as champions since the 2012-2013 Miami Heat.
This has been the most anticipated playoff series all season and every scoring record in the books might be in jeopardy when its all said and done. These teams haven’t seen a shot that they didn’t like and neither is afraid of letting them fly.
Keys to the game:
The Rockets main priority will be stopping the Warriors from going on those massive runs we are used to seeing. Even though they are a great outside shooting team, they can’t try and go shot-for-shot with the Warriors from long range. They need to make more attempts to get the hoop and draw fouls. A good way to neutralize another team’s scoring threat is to get them into foul trouble.
The Warriors will have a similarly tough task in stopping Houston from scoring. They will need to force the Rockets to look harder first open shots and not get those quick hoops up in a hurry. They need to cut down on Houston’s fast break points and keep them off the offensive glass.
Matchup to watch:
Draymond Green will have to go up against Clint Capella and it should be good. Green is the heartbeat and emotional leader of the Warriors. Capella is the Rockets’ best defender and their only real rim protector. Green will need to keep Capella off the glass as much as possible. Capella will have to keep Green’s offense down and not let him get riled up.
Prediction:
These two teams can put up points in bunches, the team that defends better will come out on top. Warriors will win the series 4-2.
